Central Europe
Sales Revenue of German Game Developers Failed to Keep Pace with the Strong Growth of German Games Market

The total sales revenue of game developers in Germany failed to keep pace with the strong growth of the German games market in 2020: although revenue from games from Germany increased, it did so at a slower rate than revenue from games developed abroad. The result is a slight decline in the market share of German-developed games in the domestic market. Whereas German game developers captured €4.93 of every hundred euros spent on games in Germany in 2019, their corresponding share in 2020 was just €4.17. These figures were published by game – the German Games Industry Association. The data is based on surveys conducted by the GfK Consumer Panel, GfK Entertainment and App Annie, and on game’s own market surveys and monitoring.
A closer view shows significant differences in the performance of the individual market segments. The market share of game apps for smartphones and tablets rose from about 3 to nearly 4.1%, while the revenue share of German-developed games in the submarket of games for PCs and consoles dropped from around 1.9 to 1.3% within one year. Online and browser-based games registered a much sharper decline, with their domestic market share plummeting by more than half – from 17.6 to 7.2%. The inability of German-developed games to benefit more strongly from the boom in many areas in 2020 is in large part due to underlying market conditions in Germany that remain more difficult than those in other countries.
The first effects of the games funding programme, such as the increase in employment in the core labour market by 8%, are already evident. However, more comprehensive positive effects will only become apparent with a delay. In addition, the games market is strongly hit-driven and the number of especially successful games has an outsized impact on total revenue. The larger and more diverse the German game development landscape becomes in the future, the less influence individual studios or titles will have on the development of sales revenue overall.
“The development of the games market in 2020 was unique and has brought many games studios forward both internationally and in Germany. Overall, however, we as the German games industry have unfortunately not yet been able to profit enough from the historic leap in growth on our home market. We are not yet strong and broadly enough positioned as a games location. Although the nationwide games funding is already showing initial effects, such as the increase in employees in the core labour market, the full effect will only unfold in a few years. And even that will only succeed if we continue to work on the competitive conditions in Germany. The federal government’s games strategy points the way for this with topics such as skilled workers, digital infrastructure, start-up support, digital education and esports,” Felix Falk, Managing Director of game, said.
German Games Market: Big Jump in Sales Revenue in 2020
The German games market recorded a strong jump in sales revenue in the Covid-19 year 2020: total sales revenue of around 8.5 billion euros was achieved in computer and video games and associated hardware, as already reported by game. This is an increase of 32% compared to the previous year. Sales of more than 3.2 billion euros were registered with games consoles, gaming PCs and the corresponding peripheral equipment. This is an increase of 26% compared to 2019. The submarket for computer and video games saw even stronger growth, with revenues of 5.2 billion euros achieved through game purchases, in-game and in-app purchases, subscriptions and charges for online services. As a result, this part of the market managed to grow by 36% compared to the previous year.
Central Europe
PRAGMATIC PLAY STRENGTHENS AUSTRIAN PRESENCE WITH WIN2DAY PARTNERSHIP

Pragmatic Play, a leading content provider to the iGaming industry, is supplying games to Austrian operator win2day.
Operated by Austrian Lotteries, win2day is the only licensed supplier of lottery and online casino in Austria, where it also provides sports betting.
A selection of Pragmatic Play’s award-winning portfolio of Slots is being made available to win2day players over the coming weeks. Already live is Madame Destiny Megaways™, which will soon be followed by award-winning titles Gates of Olympus™ and Sweet Bonanza™.
Other player favourites scheduled for release include Big Bass Bonanza™, Big Bass Splash™, The Dog House Megaways™, Fruit Party™, Book of the Fallen™, John Hunter™ and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen™, and Wolf Gold™.
The partnership with win2day follows a pattern of continued expansion for Pragmatic Play in regulated markets across the globe.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “I’m excited to welcome win2day to our growing customer base in Austria. Pragmatic Play is proud to partner with operators who share our commitment to product quality and player protection, as we strive to provide engaging entertainment experiences for new and established audiences worldwide.”
Martin Miesler, Head of Games at win2day, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Pragmatic Play and begin uploading its slot content to our platform. Win2day is proud of providing the most impressive and innovative offering to our online casino players, a criterion that Pragmatic Play fills perfectly and we can’t wait to see how our audience responds.”
Central Europe
Hipther’s Autumn Flagship Event Rebranded to GamingTECH CEE – Don’t Miss the Early Bird Offer!

The #hipthers are thrilled to announce the biggest edition and rebranding of Hipther Agency’s renowned flagship event for the Central and Eastern European region: the CEEGC Budapest gets a fresh makeover and becomes the GamingTECH CEE Summit Budapest!
The hugely successful event series in Budapest has cemented the hipthers’ leadership in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, embraced by the iGaming and Tech industry professionals locally and beyond.
GamingTECH CEE, formerly known as CEEGC, has a 7-year tradition of being the leading event in the Central and Eastern European region during Autumn. The conference brings together key players in the gaming industry, providing a wealth of valuable information and opportunities for quality networking. Furthermore, the GamingTECH Awards recognize and celebrate the most innovative and successful companies in the region.
GamingTECH CEE 2023 will take place on 26 September at the Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, while the hipthers will be offering Early Registration and Welcome Drinks on the 25th, to help participants break the ice, connect with new and old friends, and relax before the knowledge-packed conference.
The final Conference Agenda is to be announced, with the current draft promising insights about the future of Gaming in the Central and Eastern Europe, Compliance Challenges and Opportunities, Responsible Gaming, Blockchain, AI and Machine Learning, as well as Networking Sessions and the Evening Social Gathering to close the event in style and togetherness!
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder and Head of Business of Hipther, stated about the upcoming event: “We are embracing the boundless possibilities of the future and the transformative power of technology in the gambling industry. Through the rebranding of CEEGC Budapest to GamingTECH CEE Summit Budapest, we herald a new era of excitement, innovation, and limitless potential. Join us this September in Budapest to explore the frontiers of gaming technology, as we pave the way for a future that will revolutionize the way we play, engage, and win”.
GamingTECH CEE 2023 Registration is Now Open!
→ Don’t Miss the Early Bird Rates & Stay Tuned for the Combo Pass that is coming soon!
Central Europe
Esports Championships Amplifies the Excitement of Highly Anticipated European Games in Poland

The inaugural European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23) will welcome esports athletes and teams from across Europe to compete in two top esports titles – eFootball 2023 and Rocket League, this June.
The esports athletes will compete in parallel with the 7000 athletes representing 48 countries at the third edition of the European Games in Kraków and the Małopolska region of Poland. #EGE23 will add a whole new dimension of competition and entertainment to this grand sporting fiesta.
The Global Esports Federation and the European Olympic Committees confirmed that #EGE23 will run from June 30 to July 2. The International Congress Centre (MCK) in Katowice will become the epicentre of digital competition and is set to be a landmark event in the region’s sporting calendar.
The Open and Women Categories for eFootball 2023 and Open Category for Rocket League at #EGE23 will allow esports athletes from across the continent to compete for national glory.
Commenting on the groundbreaking nature of #EGE23, Aurelia Ruetsch, GEF Board Member and Chair of the EGE23 Coordination Commission, said: “The European Games Esports Championships represents a pioneering moment for esports in Europe. Having been part of the team at the inaugural European Games Baku 2015, I am thrilled to see another first with the EOC as we convene top-level esports competitions alongside traditional sports, celebrating youth culture in the heart of Europe.”
“We are delighted to see esports in this prestigious event – the European Games. The #EGE23 is a significant milestone in the development of esports in Europe. It’s a joyful celebration of youth, esports, and sport all together,” Chris Chan, President of the GEF, said.
In addition to the esports competitions, the #EGE23 will feature the GEFestival – a celebration of esports’ inclusive culture, games, music and entertainment – and GEFcon, a global convention of thought leaders and idea creators in business, esports, sport and technology on an international stage for sharing and learning.
“The Esports Championships is an extraordinary addition to the European Games lineup and underscores the progressive vision of the diversity and inclusivity of the sports world, highlighting the common ground they share in terms of dedication, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to collaborate with the Global Esports Federation on the first of many planned initiatives,” Spyros Capralos, President of EOC, said.
Hasan Arat, Chair of the EOC Coordination Commission for the European Games 2023, said: “The EOC is delighted to have partnered with the Global Esports Federation to host the Esports Championships in Katowice this summer.
“Esports is hugely popular worldwide, especially among the younger generation, and as the European Games continues to look for ways to innovate and attract a younger audience, this is a significant step.
“The International Congress Center in Katowice will be the perfect venue for the competition, and I know that it will be a memorable occasion for all the esports athletes taking part.”
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